Fulbright Junior Staff Development (JSD): The Fulbright Junior Staff Development (JSD) Program is the largest Fulbright program with Africa and provides financial assistance for a maximum of two years of study toward a graduate degree in a U.S university or for participation in a non-degree research or nonacademic professional program.

It is designed primarily to strengthen African universities through higher degree training for faculty members.

Applications are also accepted from prospective candidates in public and private educational and cultural institutions, independent research institutes, and professional institutions.

The Junior Staff Development (JSD) program is open to any qualified candidate but strongly encourages the inclusion of female candidates and prefers candidates who have not had extensive recent experience in the United States.

Recent (within three years) recipients of Fulbright grants are not eligible to apply, and it should be emphasized that funding is for a maximum period of two years only.

It is important to note that doctoral degree candidates will typically need to secure additional funding to complete their course of study.

Applicants should apply to be candidates for an advanced degree in their current field, to pursue studies in another field if they have an adequate background, or to spend up to one year in a specialized field for which they are well prepared.

They must have outstanding academic records, references and preparation in their chosen field.

Applicants should have high motivation and serious commitment to completion of the advanced degree to return home.

In addition, they should have exceptional promise of making significant contribution in their professions.

They must demonstrate a level of English proficiency that will enable them to use their time in the U.S to the best of academic advantage.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews by a panel of Embassy officials and Fulbright alumni.

The most promising candidates will be asked to fill out official application forms, obtain necessary references and take standardized tests like TOEFL and GRE (or GMAT).

Complete applications are sent to New York, where they are evaluated against applications from other African countries.

Although nominees may make suggestions about where they wish to be placed, the Fulbright Program associate, the Institute of International Education (IIE) decides final placement based on the nominee's background and availability of positions at U.S. universities.

Interested candidates should complete the preliminary application forms, attach their educational qualifications, including copies of certificates, transcripts, curriculum vitae, and a detailed statement of the graduate program they wish to pursue.

For more information and application; email: drs_exchanges [at] state.gov